"Number 1, we're just waiting to see if this is something significant, long term, then we probably have to dial up our search for another offensive player," Maloney said.

For the interim, the Coyotes recalled Mikkel Boedker from the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL.

If Upshall's return is on a fast track, then the Coyotes likely would stand pat before the Olympic break, during which time trades will come to a halt. Maloney believes that's the prevailing wisdom around the league, regardless of whether teams are battling injuries.

"That's the way it's trending, it's turning that way," he said. "I will say conversation has picked up, but all you have to do is look at the standings."

In the Eastern Conference, eight teams (Nos. 6 through 13) were separated by two points entering Friday night's games. The Coyotes were fourth in the West with 67 points, and four teams chasing them had 60 or more.

"We're all looking to improve our clubs and yet finding that match, that player match, contract match, money match," Maloney said. "I like the way we're playing, I like the chemistry we have in this group. That's probably as important to me. How does it fit, what's the chemistry, how does it affect the group. We pay a lot of attention to that. We do a lot of homework on that."

Boedker adjusting

Coach Dave Tippett said with two games in less than 24 hours - Saturday against the New York Rangers at Jobing.com Arena and Sunday at Dallas - reinforcements were needed, and Boedker got the call.

"He's played better in the (AHL); we'll see what he can do," he said.

Tippett said Boedker, who played 78 games as a rookie with the Coyotes, is starting to better use his top two assets, speed and tenacity. Tippett realizes the adjustment the 20-year-old had to make with San Antonio.

"He's one of those young guys that played a lot of the year here last year, came in this year, thinking this is just another step in the process in the NHL, and you find yourself not in NHL, it's hard to take.

"It's taken him a while to come around, and each time he's come back for short stints, he's been a little better, so we hope he can jump in and give us a spark right now.

Ice chips

Teppo Numminen will be honored before Saturday's game when he enters the Jets/Coyotes Ring of Honor, joining Bobby Hull, Thomas Steen and Dale Hawerchuk. "It's a great honor," he said. "I never thought it would happen. . . . Just to be recognized with some great players, I'm excited about it."

• The Coyotes' "24 Hours of Hockey," a series of 16 consecutive games at Jobing.com Arena, begins with the Coyotes-Rangers game Saturday night and ends Sunday at 6 p.m. The other 15 games feature adult, high school and youth players. The event is unique to the Coyotes to support for Hockey Weekend Across America. Admission is free.

• Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette, wearing an Arizona State jersey, dropped the ceremonial first puck Friday night at the ASU-Arizona club game at Oceanside Ice Arena in Tempe.

Saturday: Rangers at CoyotesWhen:: 6 p.m. | Where: Jobing.com Arena. TV/radio: FSAZ/KGME-AM (910). Rangers update: New York is ninth in the Eastern Conference with 55 points. The Rangers have lost their past four games. RW Marian Gaborik, averaging almost 22 minutes per game, leads the team with 29 goals and 32 assists.

The Coyotes' push for the playoffs will be determined in large part how they play on the road.Jan. 23-Feb. 13: 8 of 12 on road before Olympic break.March: Four home games, then nine of next 11 on road.April: Two games at home, final two of season on road.